Competency Curriculum

In order to ensure that our educational process more accurately reflects our commitment to graduating caring and competent physicians, Indiana University School of Medicine initiated a competency curriculum in 1999. The first class of students to enter under a four-year competency curriculum graduated in 2003. The newly established curriculum consists of nine competencies. Assessment and certification of achievement of the nine competencies is sequentially integrated into each year of the curriculum culminating with a competency transcript upon graduation (see diagram below).

I. Effective Communication The competent graduate listens attentively and communicates clearly with patients, families, and health care team members. The graduate establishes the rapport necessary to form and maintain a therapeutic relationship with the patient. II. Basic Clinical Skills The competent graduate elicits and records a complete and accurate history and performs a skillful examination appropriate to a variety of patient encounters. The graduate correctly determines whether to perform a comprehensive or suitably focused history and physical examination. The graduate also correctly selects, proficiently performs, and accurately interprets selected clinical procedures and laboratory tests. III. Using Science to Guide Diagnosis, Management, Therapeutics, and Prevention The competent graduate knows and can explain the scientific underpinnings, at the molecular, cellular, organ, whole body, and environmental levels for states of health and disease based upon current understanding and cutting-edge advances in contemporary basic science. The graduate uses this information to diagnose, manage and present the common health problems of individuals, families, and communities in collaboration with them. The graduate develops a problem list and differential diagnosis, carries out additional investigations, chooses and

implements interventions with consultation and referral as needed, determines outcome goals, recognizes and utilizes opportunities for prevention, monitors progress, shares information and educates, and adjusts therapy and diagnosis according to results. IV. Lifelong Learning The competent graduate is aware of the limits of her/his personal knowledge and experience. The graduate actively sets and pursues clear learning goals, exploits new opportunities for intellectual growth and professional enlightenment, is capable of critical, reliable and valid self-assessment, and applies the knowledge gained to the practice of his/her profession. V. Self-Awareness, Self-Care, and Personal Growth The competent graduate approaches the practice of medicine with awareness of his/her limits, strengths, weaknesses and personal vulnerabilities. The graduate assesses personal values and priorities in order to develop and maintain an appropriate balance of personal and professional commitments. The graduate seeks help and advice when needed for his/her own difficulties and develops personally appropriate coping strategies. The graduate recognizes his/her effect on others in professional contacts. The graduate seeks, accurately receives and appropriately responds to performance feedback. VI. The Social and Community Contexts of Health Care The competent graduate recognizes the diverse factors that influence the health of the individual and the community; identifies the sociocultural, familial, psychological, economic, environmental, legal, political and spiritual factors impacting health care and health care delivery; and responds to these factors by planning and advocating the appropriate course of action at both the individual and the community level. VII. Moral Reasoning and Ethical Judgment The competent graduate recognizes the ethical issues of medical practice and health policy; identifies alternatives in difficult ethical choices; analyzes systematically the conflicting considerations supporting different alternatives; and formulates, defends, and effectively carries out a course of action that takes account of this ethical complexity. The graduate combines a willingness to recognize the nature of the value systems of patients and others with commitment to his/her own system and the ethical choices necessary to maintain his/her own ethical integrity. VIII. Problem-Solving The competent graduate recognizes and thoroughly characterizes a problem. The graduate develops an informed plan of action, acts to resolve the problem, and subsequently assesses the results of his/her action. IX. Professionalism and Role Recognition The competent graduate recognizes the powerful impact of his/her professional attitudes and behavior on others and consistently demonstrates the highest standards of excellence, duty, and accountability to the patient. The competent graduate values the humanity of all patients and does not exploit patients for personal gain. The competent graduate recognizes his/her role in working collaboratively with others to meet the health care needs of the individual and the community.

For more Information: http://meded.iusm.iu.edu/Programs/ComptCurriculum.htm